https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581971225188/1581971250953

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program was established as part of the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. It provides cultural and emotional support, and mental health counselling services to Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and the families of former students.

Program eligibility

All Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, regardless of Indigenous status or place of residence within Canada, are eligible to receive services from the Resolution Health Support Program.

In recognition of the intergenerational impacts that the Indian Residential School system had on families, Resolution Health Support Program services are also available to family members of former students of Indian Residential Schools.

Family members include:

• spouse or partner
• those raised by, or raised in the household of, an Indian Residential School Survivor
• any relative who has experienced the effects of intergenerational trauma associated with a family member's time at an Indian Residential School

If you are not eligible for the Resolution Health Support Program, you may still be eligible for trauma-informed supports including:

• Federal Indian Day School (IDS) Health and Cultural Support Program
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Health and Cultural Support Program

Services available

Cultural support

Cultural supports are provided by local Indigenous organizations and include access to Elders, Knowledge Holders, traditional healers, and ceremonies. Cultural supports seek to assist Survivors and their families in safely addressing issues related to Indian Residential Schools. Specific services are chosen by the Survivor or family member and can include traditional healing, ceremonies, teachings and dialogue.

Emotional support

Emotional supports include access to Resolution Health Support Workers, community-based workers and Elders who share space, listen, talk, and offer support in a safe and respectful way. Emotional supports are provided by local Indigenous organizations, and are designed to help former students and their families safely address issues related to the impacts of Indian Residential Schools.

Mental health counselling

Mental health counsellors are psychologists and social workers, who are in good standing with their provincial or territorial regulatory body, and registered with Indigenous Services Canada. A counsellor can work with individuals or families and will listen, talk and assist individuals to find ways of navigating trauma and healing journeys related to Indian Residential School experiences.

Transportation